CGarage
Well-known member
I believe the small amount of play/slop in the anvil is necessary to allow the lever to lock and unlock the ratchet’s flex head.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
1/4” Flex-Head Ratchets: Matco vs. Snap-On
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
I believe the small amount of play/slop in the anvil is necessary to allow the lever to lock and unlock the ratchet’s flex head.
That has nothing to do with the flex head mechanism.I believe the small amount of play/slop in the anvil is necessary to allow the lever to lock and unlock the ratchet’s flex head.
plinker
Well-known member
I have a good number of Matco's in 1/4 drive, preference there, along with S-K 40970's.
That said, I do really like this particular Snap-on unit for under dash and low torque. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...-80-Technology-Stubby-Fixed-Head-Ratchet/TK72
That said, I do really like this particular Snap-on unit for under dash and low torque. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...-80-Technology-Stubby-Fixed-Head-Ratchet/TK72
CGarage
Well-known member
That has nothing to do with the flex head mechanism.
Maybe someone can post a parts diagram of the Gearwrench / Matco mechanism…..I do not have a ratchet in front of me and I am going off of memory.
OP
The Critic
Well-known member
This. I just received my 1/4" Matco ratchet and noticed this. Rebuilding it with 3/8" guts results in the same. My Gearwrench 120xp has the same slop.The plate affects the slop in the anvil. Every Matco 88T and GW 90T ratchet I've handled, more than a few, have had noticeable play/slop in the anvil. Every SO Dual 80 that I've handled, again more than a few, have had no play/slop in the anvil. The SO plate, secured by screws, is a superior and more rigid securing method for the ratchet internals. I have SO's new locking flex head, and it's far superior to it's earlier version.
In comparison, all of my Dual 80's (and 72's) have a minimal amount of slop. I wonder if it is due to the Dual Pawl design?
demarpaint
Well-known member
IMO the SO is a better design, and the screw on plate vs, the retaining ring accounts for it having less slop.This. I just received my 1/4" Matco ratchet and noticed this. Rebuilding it with 3/8" guts results in the same. My Gearwrench 120xp has the same slop.
In comparison, all of my Dual 80's (and 72's) have a minimal amount of slop. I wonder if it is due to the Dual Pawl design?
I know what they call them but I like truth in advertising, that's why I call them Dual-72.SnapOn 1/4" is now Dual 80.
Did they need the lower tooth count for strength? Would they be as smooth as 3/8 and 1/2 drive if they had 8 more teeth on the gear?
I don't think they are bad ratchets, they just don't feel as good as the others and I've always wondered why. Just like I wonder why they don't make a long locking flex.